Learn to Grow Blog

How to Pack for Your Trip to Ecuador

Are you planning a trip to Ecuador, but you’re not sure what to take with you? You’re not alone; most people have difficulty packing for international trips. The good news is that this article has done the legwork for you. If you follow the instructions below, you should be well-prepared for your epic trip to Ecuador.

1. PASSPORT

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still worth saying. Your passport, the proof of your citizenship, is the most important thing you can bring with you when you’re traveling abroad. You won’t be able to enter any foreign country without it, and you’ll need it in case of an emergency that requires you to contact your home country’s embassy. The good news is that, if you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t need to bring a visa as well. A valid U.S. passport allows you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days.

2. PROOF OF YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION

The Centers For Disease Control recommend that all international travelers have up-to-date vaccinations, but if you’re planning on visiting the Amazon Basin while you’re in Ecuador, the local authorities might require you to show a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. Don’t wait until you’ve reached Ecuador to get vaccinated. Take care of that while you’re at home.

3. CLOTHES

Of course, you need clothes, but the question is, “What kind of clothes?” That depends on the time of the year and where exactly you’ll be going. You could be dealing with extreme rain in the rainforests, snow in the mountain regions, or the hot, dry temperature of the beaches. The most practical thing to do is to bring clothes that can be worn in layers, so that you can adjust accordingly when the weather shifts.

Depending on how adventurous you plan on getting during your day-time excursions, you may want to bring along a first-aid kit. Remember to include any prescriptions medications you take, insect repellant, and anti-malaria tablets, especially if you’re going to the Amazon.

5. FLASHLIGHT

Streelights are sparse in Ecuador, so if you plan on partying the night away, bring a flashlight. You don’t want to be stumbling around in the dark and have no idea where you are. Consider using a head-lamp, which is smaller than a regular flashlight and easier to carry.

6. SPANISH PHRASEBOOK

Hopefully, you’ll already have some Spanish under your belt before you leave for Ecuador. If you don’t, or even if you do, a Spanish phrasebook will help you remember the essentials, such as “Hello” and “Where’s the bathroom?”